After 85 days of political posturing, the real battle to control state spending will begin Monday. That’s when Nevada’s Economic Forum will update tax revenue projections that politicians must use to build the 2011-13 state budget.

Cellphone and texting addicts have no reason to fret about Oct. 1 when Nevada is expected to implement a law prohibiting all drivers from texting and using hand-held cellphones. American ingenuity already has developed the technology that will allow drivers to continue to make hands-free calls and even text with little or no inconvenience.

Leaders of the association that represents state employees blasted Gov. Brian Sandoval on Friday for his plans to reduce some employees’ vacation time and annual leave and continue a freeze on the receipt of merit and longevity pay raises for all employees.